Sunday, 6 July 2014

Thursday 3 July

Force 6 from the south today, with occasional spots of rain. Cruiseliner Discovery is in for another visit, anchored off Sandwick. The tenders taking the passengers ashore are fair bucking in the swell, can't be nice for them.

In response to this letter on Heb News: I know this is a problem, and there are discussions on-going to increase capacity on Calmac routes. What this lady is arguing for is an "Air Discount Scheme" for islanders using Calmac ferries. The down-side of any increase in capacity is what to do during the winter months. It is not economical for any company to have assets lying unusued (i.e. just sitting there costing money). Tourism, finally, is a mainstay of island economy, and needs to be encouraged. Without the £50m it brings into the coffers of the islands, we would be in very dire straits indeed.